Got a couple suboxone questions, hoping for an experienced answer?

Ive only been on suboxone for about 4 days now, for a long time addiction to Hydrocodone. On average i was taking about 45mg three to four times a day so... (140-180mg daily). The doc wants me to take 16mg of subx a day, and ive found that seems to feel to strong to me, so ive lowered down to 12mg a day. Im having good results as far as no cravings, and i know i might be jumping the gun but i cant get any answers out of my doc so here it is... How long is the typical person on suboxone before they start to lower their dosage to begin the taper?? The impression im getting from my doc is that i shouldnt be worried bout that, but its just a question and i feel he should be answering all of them as this is my first time in the 10 yrs of abuse that ive had any kind of treatment. Hes not interested in anything but sticking to the script on the teleprompter it seems like. Not helping me at all. If theres an average answer to this question id love to know, how long at a steady dose before the taper regiment starts.And also is a 16 week suboxone program unheard of, or is that reasonable? My doc leads me to believe i need to be on Subx for a long time, and i dont want that. Thanks everyone, Brian

Responses (2)

I can only share what my psychiatrist, an addiction's specialist, has to say about the amount of time to be on Suboxone. He believes that 3 to 6 months is an adequate amount of time for the brain to heal and the cravings to be under control. He believes that the manufacturer saying that people should be on it longer is just a way for them to make money. I know there will be others who disagree with me.

I must suggest you seek addiction's counseling along with the drug therapy. You need to learn tools for combating the temptation to use that inevitably will come down the road. Counseling is suppose to be part of the Suboxone program. You can discuss this with your doctor as he/she should be able to recommend a good counselor or share with you where you could find Narcotics Anonymous meetings.

Hey laurie, thanks for the reply. Ive heard of one program (i couldnt afford) being 16 wks so thats what i was hoping to be able to get into cause i dont want to be on longer than i have to, but i guess its gonna depend on how it goes as far as my progress. I do agree with you about the money making aspect of it, i also feel like my doc doesnt care about me as an individual, and seems interested in my payment and getting me in the long line of patients. He does require an out patient thearapy in addition to his bi-weekly visits, i just cannot afford it right now with paying for the visits, and the suboxone-I have no insurance and cant afford it right now. I know getting to the root of my demons are gonna dictate my success. I never even thought of finding an N A meeting. Thank you for that suggestion, im going to look into that. Thanks for taking the time to stop and talk to me. Good luck to you as well, Brian

Hey Brian I have to reiterate Laurie's point. You can't do it on just the med or you will just switch drugs. Most mental health places work on a sliding scale if your don't have insurance and you can also look into the here to help program on soboxone's website. They will give you a no charge weekly session over the phone to help you keep on track. I find groups are helping me out a lot. It is good to have a successful person in the group like Laurie to lend personal experiences to the whole recovery process. You seem to be on a good track so best of luck and make sure to find someone to talk with.

Hey cwish, i definately agree with the process and getting additional support other than the subx. Unfortunately financially i cant afford anything more than the subx doc, the prescriptions and my other bills. Im not eligable for no cost insurance, was laid off in december so income is limited. Im looking into any free options out there, and i will take any oppertunity i can when i find something. Thanks for the advice, Brian

Boy doctors don't want to tell you anything because they will be held accountable. I was on suboxone for three months and within three weeks i started tappering down. i was on 32mg so it took three months to get off, but that is my experience each is different, but that is what i can give you, each of are an individual with individual metabolism and so on and so forth. But good call on lowering your dose, listen to your body, it's the best doctor out there, it will tell you what's wrong, when you can handle more or less. Good luck and keep us posted.

Thats hopeful, i really dont want to be stuck on sub any longer than i have to be, and i understand its a process so with any luck it will go well. 3 months for you to get off (doing the math) seems pretty reasonable for being on 32mg. Hope everything is going good for you, and thanks again for taking the time to stop bye. I know what ive read from others has helped me, so i will try and continue posting my experience. Thanks, Brian